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Rail travel is THE civilized way to travel. Amtrak is under-rated. I enjoyed my trips on Amtrak & would love to go with them again. I wish we had more extensive rail service in the US.
I agree and wished USA was like Europe with high speed rail all across the country but cost also need to be lowered. I do think travel by rail can be very enjoyable.
Amtrak sux. It's sooo behind European and Asian trains. And prohibitively expensive and extremely limited in where u can travel to. A total waste of time and money. This is why monopolies suck
Amtrak isn't a monopoly, is faces competition from the automobile, bus services and airlines. Fuel is very cheap in the US. The railways in most European countries are state owned.
Sure, you may not recommend this trip NOW - but get a few more years behind you (and the need to hit the restroom on a frequent basis...) and suddenly it doesn't sound so bad! The AutoTrain runs for 900 miles and cuts off some of the most boring sections I-95 - which can get pretty long if you have to make frequent pitstops. Never underestimate the opportunity to walk around, watch the scenery go by, and avoid those crazy snowbird drivers all while enjoying your favorite adult beverage! We've done the rooms and the roomettes, but frankly for just one night the coach seats are perfectly fine.
1. My wife and I have made this run 3 times, in a bedroom each time. There seems to be a pricing incentive for southbound travelers in March, when northbound trains are full, and southbound trains are half-empty. If your departure is soon after the time change from EST to EDT, you'll max out the sightseeing opportunity. 2. The train may appear to be lightly loaded, but they have to provide enough seating+bedrooms+autoracks for everyone in both directions. 3. All bedrooms are in Superliner cars (no tunnel restrictions). Lower deck contains 4 roomettes, 1 family BR & 1 handicapped BR + toilet(s) & shower. When passenger headcount is low, that area can be VERY private (as in unoccupied). 4. Published departure from Lorton is 1600, but all seats and rooms are "reserved", so if everyone's on board, the train can leave early. There may, or may not, be an announcement. 5. It's been my experience that we had wi-fi and internet "all the way". Wouldn't hurt to bring a DVD or two. 6. Meals are included with roomettes and bedrooms.
My husband and I decided to take a car and leave it in Florida for when we go down. A friend suggested taking this train to cut the driving and make it easier. Well it was nothing but a third world experience. We drove to Virginia from Massachusetts there were traffic delays along the way and we need to check in the car before 2:30 pm. We were nervous about not making but got there at 1:30. After being in the station waiting for about 2 hours or so it was announced that the train was running late. It turned out that we departed 3 hours late. The train on the way up had a fuel leak and it caused a fire in one of the locomotives on Jacksonville Florida. As the train started moving the locomotives were failing again and it stopped. It was suggested by somebody in charge outside the train that it needed to slow down to 10 miles per hour to avoid overheating. The staff were very nice and as frustrated as everybody. We were told that Amtrak refurbished the inside but the locomotives were “dinosaurs “, very old and they haven’t done anything about it. 2 or 3 weeks before it took 36 hours to get to Sanford Fl on this train. The saga continues stop and slow all the way down. It was announced again that we were to stop at Jacksonville and there were engineers waiting to fix the problem and refuel and the good news was that they were to let us out to stretch and get fresh air. Meanwhile there is no hot food or coffee because the electric is out. They gave us a small package with pretzels, cookies and candy and there were water and chips and pretzels available to purchase. After a few hours it was announced that we were stopping at Jessup Georgia to refuel and repair or replace the locomotive. Well we never made it. The train stopped in the middle of nowhere it ran out of fuel. We waited sometime for somebody to bring the fuel meanwhile, no electric therefore no AC and the bathrooms were out of order. We made it to Sanford Florida at exactly 10PM, 26 hours later. (We were to depart at 5PM and arrive the next day at 10 AM.) We waited for the car to unload and left the station at 11:45pm exhausted. It is a shame that Amtrak puts the American people through a situation like this knowing that these locomotives should be replaced. The majority of the people aboard were seniors. I felt really sorry for them. The next day we received and email apologizing for the delay and they were going to compensate with a voucher in 5 to 7 days. The voucher came in the following day for $100 towards another trip. I will never set my foot in that train until they do what’s right.
I’m very sorry to hear they had such a bad experience. We were lucky enough that we had no problems, however, I have heard of many delays on this particular train route. This is one of the reasons that I would also just prefer to drive.
I've done the auto train many times both ways. I never bought a sleeper unit, I just bunked out on the seats. I've never enjoyed the ride and never had a decent sleep. And often there are extensive (several hour) delays for rail malfunctions. My final destination is Marco Island and that's about another 5+ hour drive from Sanford. It's excruciating. I need a shower and I'm exhausted at the start of the drive. Plus driving thru Orlando is always a nightmare. I won't do it again. I'm going to make the trip with 2 overnight stops, the second one in Ocala. If you have a short drive from Sanford, then disregard everything I said.
@@bill9989 , funny, not heard too many mediocre reports. most either glowing praise or singing the blues. im now a full-time member of the Every Day is SATURDAY Club. as such, im thinking of taking it, just for S&G. thanks for your input. i may try a sleeper.
@@googoo-gjoob Give it a try. As I mentioned, the remaining drive from Sanford is a big factor. If I ever do it again, I may just get a hotel room in Sanford/Orlando to shower and sleep then complete the journey the next morning.
This brought back a flood of memories and tears for me. One of the last trips I took with my parents was this North > South helping my parents get to Florida for the winter. My Dad passed away not long after. I will always be grateful for the time I had with them both. Thank you for this.
I agree so much about doing something like this with an aging parent, while they’re able. My mother died of covid last year. Five years ago I took her on vacation to the Smokey Mountains. It wasn’t a train journey but it was a terrific time. I miss her profoundly, and the memory of that fairly recent vacation is a great comfort.
I am so happy to hear that you had that time with your mother Robert. We never know what’s going to happen tomorrow, and as human beings we tend to procrastinate a lot. I’m very happy to hear that you have such a wonderful thoughts of the journey and I wish you all the best.
Well, RU-vid just allows me to give one thumb up, but I would like to give multiple thumbs up: one for the video as a whole, one for explaining the importance of having time with your loved ones and at least one for telling and showing us to treat everyone with respect without expecting something in return. Chapeau, my friend.
Your words about "do it now" with your parents hits home. I lost mine years ago and I don't do well in a car because of medical issues. So my wife and I are "going to do it now" to go see our daughter and granddaughter in Arlington after the summer rush is over. Thanks for your wise encouragement and enjoyable video!
Hey Rob. I can’t tell you how happy I am to hear that you guys are going to “do it now”. I hope you and your wife have a wonderful trip and many happy days visiting your daughter and granddaughter. Take care of yourselves!
Now this guy is my kind of gentlemen. He speaks words of true wisdom. Love one another as yourself. Plus he likes Jack Daniels and trains and family. My kind of guy.
We’ve done the Auto Train about 3 times with another trip coming in 2 weeks and are looking forward to the trip. Train travel has a rich history and is more relaxing and less stressful than flying with the crazies today. Plus more room and great personal service.
I love the Auto Train and have taken it many times over the last many years. I like the fact that I can just throw things I need to take into my car and then just take a small overnight bag into my roomette. The trains and bathrooms are spotless.
Thanks for your honest review, the wifey and I went thru a nightmarish experience on the Auto train and we’ll never do it again, tho you had it easier than us I wouldn’t discourage anyone from trying it cuz they might actually enjoy it 👍
Did that Trip with my mom back in 73/74? Loved the trip back then probably can't do stuff i did now days. Like hang out between the cars and smoke a cigarette. Your awesome doing that with your dad 🙏 I'm 62 now thanks for the memories ☕👌💨
Bravo to you,I wish my Parents were alive. I tried to spend as much time as I could with mine. They lived seventy three miles away. I was heading back to see my Dad and he passed ten minuets before I could get their. Love and be with them as much as you can.
I had a similar thing happened going to see my grandfather. Thank you for your words of wisdom, I definitely trying to see my parents as much as possible.
Hey Serg, thank you for this amazing video. It was absolutely hilarious and made my day. You are a natural comic with a huge heart. So funny when you stated "all 5 of you", "dated airline" and the shower scene. I was so happy that you had the opportunity to spend not only time, but an adventure with your dad. My dad and I were estranged for many years until I learned he had terminal prostate cancer in 1992. I moved from my comfortable job in New Orleans to be with him in NW Arkansas. He passed 6 weeks after I moved there on Feb 23 1993, he was only 61 years old. I have now outlived him by 6 years. I have 4 children, my oldest son just turned 50, my youngest daughter is 45. I have yet to experience an adventure such as you have shown us with them. Sometimes Life is short, Sometimes Life is expansive, sometimes, .... life is just life and we lose sight of how short it really is. We think "they are going to be around forever" we think "we are going to be around forever". 1300 dollars may have seemed like a lot of money at the time, but I would have spent 10 times that to have had another 17 hours with my dad. You take care of yourself Serg, stay grounded. You are a fine young man. All 5 of us are rooting for you!! By the way, in closing, my Arctic Fox 19 slide in pick up truck camper has a larger wet bath than that one. Not by much though.
I really appreciate you sharing that story! I have a lot of respect for what you did for your father, and for yourself. Time is one thing we cannot replace, yet I feel that many of us constantly forget this. I’m so extremely happy that you enjoyed this video. The whole point of my channel is just to share my life experiences and to give my viewers some exciting, informational and funny content. Comments like yours are the fuel for my channel. Be well!
30 years ago took the auto train with my now husband to Florida. Drove from Rhode Island to Virginia where it starts its route. Sat in coach. Fyi, not as comfortable as you think it was. Also people talked, were snoring and a really bad drunk guy. He got kicked off and arrested in South Carolina. His wive was sleeping through the whole thing. Woke up in the morning and had no idea he got arrested . Other than not sleeping, it was a fun trip. The wet bathroom is basically like one in a travel camper.
Serg is a gem .. and how could one complain, the guy knows what side of bread is buttered. Great promotion for Amtrak and if you have the bucks, why wait until you cannot walk and talk at the same time.
Just booked a roommette r/t on this run. $1900!! I have an older car and first looked into renting a small SUV for the trip down for 9 days but that was $2400 without gas, hotels or a flight back. Appreciate the opportunity to see what we're in for this week.
Glad you enjoyed it. The only reason I stated that it was “dated” is because the whole thing is almost 30 years old. You’re paying quite a bit for something that should be luxurious, but it’s actually far from it. Hope you give it a try and enjoy it. Thanks for watching, Chrisy!
My parents and I did AutoTrain for the first time back in 2016 and we really _loved_ it. My Dad is getting older and doesn't wanna drive I-95 anymore. Our cabin had lots of room, with plenty of space for our overnight bags. We'll never drive to FL again.
Hi there! I just happened upon your video. Loved it! I was an onboard Amtrak Autotrain employee from 1984-1986. So long ago! I have great photos from then. I used to have great passengers. They rotated our positions onboard so I saw it all. I haven’t been onboard Amtrak at all since then . I really enjoyed working there. On another note, yes, spend time with loved ones. I miss my parents. I lost my mom one week before she would have turned 95. Parents are precious. I am 67 and a widow now. I regret never having children. Have a great day! Sue
I did the auto train with my Mom last year, when she was laid low with a bizarre type of shingles, called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. We shared a roomette. I was in the top coffin - I mean “bunk.” She wanted to go to sleep at 7:30. Enough said. Your trip with your Dad, including bourbon, was a much more enjoyable journey.
@@garyglunt9310 c’mon, that goes without saying… my comment is in relation to transportation via TRAIN. And riding the train vs DRIVING on the I95 through Atlanta and anywhere is Florida is SAFER by far… and I don’t even have to cite statistics, it’s only logical/ common sense.
@@JAye365 I am just saying overall. Also I been up and down 95 in Florida for years from St Augustine to Key West. Doesn't seem any worst then any other road. Train rides let you view the great scenery of America. When my life slows down, I hope to take many train rides around the country but they are costly. Maybe a rail pass will make sense at that time.
Thank you so much for that Christine! I’m glad you enjoyed the train video. I’ve got a number of other new fun videos that you might enjoy and some new content coming up next week. Cheers!
Thank you very much for the compliment Dave! I really enjoyed this trip with my father. I’m going over to South East Asia to travel indefinitely starting in April, but before I go, I’m taking a trip to visit my parents to spend more time with them.
Yes the auto train runs between DC and Sanford FL. Not sure it goes anywhere else. It is costly but an experience worth having. Thanks for the video. I am considering this ride myself as I don't like driving long distances.
What a great video. You`re a very cheerful, bouncy person! You`re so right about spending time with loved ones - all my family has passed now - enjoy company and companionship while you may.
I think it’s important to treat other people with kindness and respect. However, we should never allow others to disrespect us and be rude to us either. Thank you very much for your kind words.
Just found your channel& I loved your video so much! So nice you and your Dad spent time together. You are such a warm and lovely man. Ty 4 sharing. Loved it.
Looks like an enjoyable experience. Agree with treating others like you want to be treated. It doesn't cost anything, and it goes a lone ways in helping you and others have a nice day.
You have such a lovely disposition, it was a pleasure to watch your trip. Thank you for sharing your experience, it definitely helped me make a more informed decision on long distance transportation.
I was going back to Canada from Florida and decided that I didn't want to drive all the way. I took this train but I was in coach. I totally enjoyed the ride. Coach was roomy enough for me to stretch out and sleep. The dinner was actually good. You can bring food on if you want. I also brought on a pillow and blanket like many other passengers. I would definitely take this train again.
I really feel that everyone should try traveling by train at least once in their lifetime. You don’t need to do an expensive overnight train, but definitely give it a try. It’s extremely relaxing.
15 years ago took Amtrak from Milwaukee to Hutchinson Kansas (with a train change in Chicago). My son was a baby, so he was free. Had a roomette, and the steak dinner in my room was fantastic, as was our porter. Have also done the trip with regular seats when our son was about 5. He slept fine, but too many people snoring for me to fall asleep 😊
You made me think about something, about being kind to others. I’ve got a friend who’ll do anything for you, without expecting anything in return. She went to the pharmacy once to get me a bottle of cough syrup, as I was home from work for 3 days, because of a nasty cough/cold. I of course reimbursed her, and she said I didn’t have to do that. Essentially, my mother raised me better.
Thanks! Regardless of the trip, you've have a really good, (and refreshing) attitude. Spot on about time with your Dad. My Dad passed in '73 and I WISH I could relive some of those moments with him. Interesting voyage. Thanks for posting!
This is a delightful review. I'm glad you make that trip with your dad. It's remarkable how much machinery is involved in converting the couch to a bed!
A great concept to avoid driving and have a chance to arrive at your destination after a night's sleep. My grandparents use this from MD to FL and works for them. I'm in NY but If I ever have reason to use it I'll give it go. Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
I think your comments about the 1990s is about right. I did an overnight train from NYC to Atlanta, and the best part of it was bonding with my son. This whole video makes Eurotunnel from the UK to Europe seem positively futuristic.
Love this!!! My sister and I always traveled with our parents. We get our love for traveling from our dad who unfortunately passed away last year. We have hundreds of traveling stories now
I’m glad you have lasting memories from traveling with your parents. As my parents get older, I’m more focused on spending more time with them as well. Thanks for watching Michelle!
@@LifewithSerg It beats 2 days of driving plus we get to visit wife's Sister who lives 20.min from Lorton ans at the South end we are 90 min from our place in St Augustine Beach
I don’t even know how I stumbled upon this video and I’m not planning on taking a train anytime in the near future but I watched all fifteen minutes. Thanks, I guess?
That's the most accurate description of actually sleeping overnight on a train. The movement just sends your brain into a "I should not be doing this" mode and your reaction of "Well I survived!" lol
Ha ha ha. Yah it was strange. It doesn’t help that I’m a light sleeper so it took a little getting used to. I can’t wait to try this on one of the trains in Thailand. Yes, I realize it will probably not be as nice as Amtrak.
A really good video you shared. The Auto Train is on my bucket list of things to do. Since the Amtrak Texas Eagle comes through Austin, I've traveled it many times to Chicago for points east and west. Amtrak reduced their full diner service with full menu meals when they went to Flexible dining when the pandemic started and hopefully they'll restore the full dining service. Nothing compares to it when on a train. Really great that you traveled with your Dad. Glad you still have your folks. Cherish that. I wish I still had mine. Again, thank you a lot for sharing your experience.
Yes I’m trying to enjoy as much time as I have with my parents as they get older. Most people don’t value time enough. It’s the one thing we cannot buy more of. Glad you enjoyed my video! Hope you get to take your own train journey soon!
The accommodation you got was a bedroom. A bedroom suite is two adjoining bedrooms with a sliding door between them opened creating one large suite. The smaller rooms without private toilets and showers are called roomettes. There is also a family bedroom that can sleep up to four and an accessible bedroom which allows for a person in a wheelchair.
Great video! I took the auto train about 15 years ago and am excited to be going again this spring! I will drive back- but getting to relax on the journey down is worth it!
Took the Auto Train on our move from Delaware to Florida in 2016. It was worth it to us simply because I had an older pick-up that I didn't want to drive all the way down to Florida (but the DE/MD border to Lorton was OK) and I was able to load it up completely with boxes and luggage for our move - with a tonneau cover and very specific sized boxes from Lowe's, I was able to get a lot of the important things loaded nicely and transported without issue + get a sleeper room for basically the cost of two peak season airline tickets. I did not shower in the room but utilized the toilet and the sink outside the closet - sleep was minimal but OK - the noise and the rocking on the rails is something you'd have to get used to or be dead tired to sleep through. Meals were surprisingly good for being on a train. I wouldn't do it again unless pressed but it was an adventure that we experienced.
Its a particularly convenient way to make the journey, especially if you depart from the DC metro or an hour or so from Lorton. Serg is correct that it is somewhat dated, but that is mostly due to the lack of funding rail travel has had in the US. It still beats the drive (especially if you have to make it alone) and it is a great way to get there with a car. ♥AMTRAK
You have some very good points there Mark. Personally, I love to drive so it’s not a big deal for me. I’ll definitely be making more train con tent once I’m overseas next year. Thanks for watching!
Your review was one of the best I've seen. It was not jaded or slanted...honest and thorough. It's definitely not 5 star traveling but I do it quite often as I travel between Virginia and Florida almost monthly. I drive sometimes and take the train sometimes (when it's not cost prohibitive). I always get a sleeper (again I rotate between the bedroom and roomette - depending on price). Comfort Suggestions: *Download TV shows and movies to your laptop as the WIFI can be sketchy at times (but mostly reliable) *Lysol and/or Febreze *Hand Sanitizer and Wipes *Bring a pillow *sheet *personal body wipes (especially if I'm in the roomette) *small fan * blanket (and my last few trips I brought a self inflating mattress pad, it makes the mattress bearable). *snacks and water *emergency sandwich or food of some type All in all it's a great alternative to driving and can be somewhat relaxing (if you have the right mindset). I do want to mention it's hit or miss with the smells in the rooms. I've been on the train and the stench in the roomette horrible and other times there was not a smell at all...
You’re definitely a pro at using the Auto Train. Those are some really good suggestions! I enjoy driving, so I think I would rather just drive and stay at a hotel somewhere. However, the stream is extremely useful and lots of people use it all the time. Thanks again for your thoughtful suggestions!
Nice video. We liked our trip on the auto train. We got there early (we were told that the earlier we got there, the earlier our car would be offloaded in Florida) and we were the first car loaded. The train left about 5 min early, btw. We booked coach but the conductor offered a half price upgrade to a room w a private toilet and shower so we did it. The food was good and, except for the washing machine the train ran over (which added 3 hours for them to examine the train for damage) it was ok. Our car was the absolute last unloaded (2 hour wait, so we won an auto train frisbee for being last off). For the way back, we asked what time we should arrive to ensure an earlier unloading, and the Amtrak rep said get there about an hour before scheduled departure. We did, and we were the 10th out of 50-60 cars loaded. When we got to Virginia, we were the absolute last car unloaded, so we won another frisbee. The train tracks were not smooth, so every second there was a slam as we hit the next track joint. Ok, trip, though.
I’ve never been on any other Amtrak train so I can’t compare the smoothness. But my understanding is the auto train runs on freight rails. I’m definitely gonna have to take another Amtrak trip on a regular line. As far as your car, next time pay the $60 and you’re guaranteed to be one of the first cars off. Well worth it!
That will be our luck. Debating driving to stay overnight day before boarding, we have quite a drive to Lorton. After Sanford, we drive to Miami. It's an adventure to check off my bucket list.
Dad and I spent a lot of time together on that trip. We drove about 500 miles before, and about 200 miles after the train ride. It was great time together. Thank you for watching Rajesh! Cheers.
Some people have mentioned that’s about the size of a shower in an RV. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to be able to take a shower in a moving train. Lol
@@LifewithSerg I will. I'll do it in Coach though. The rooms didn't seem worth it to me. Coach price seems reasonable though and the seats are something I could sleep in
Agree - I drove two round trips from OH to FL in feb any again in April and it was ok being my first time driving it solo - but next year I am going to give this a try.
You know, I’ve loved Train since I was a little kid. While I’ve been in trains and other countries I’ve actually never been on an Amtrak until I took this trip.
This is a true and kind of dopey story about naive nellie (me). In the 80's, my elderly parents who were from Fla. would come up to Ohio to visit me, hubby and grandson, once a year, taking the auto train each time. The first time my mom mentioned they were taking that train, I got quite concerned about how they were going to deal with sitting in the car the whole trip, lol. How would they eat, go to the restroom, etc! Felt rather dumb when mom explained about the whole procedure!! Guess no matter how old you are, your parents can still teach you something new :)
I love that! It made me smile. There’s something super magical about being naïve to some things. The world is full of things were not aware of, and it’s great to learn.
Made this trip with my family of 6 in coach. It is the only trip that all my children equally say they want to do again. We travelled in coach and did just fine. Pros: 1) The seats are roomy, the recline is fine, and there was enough space and a power outlet to use my CPAP. 2) While it's the same amount of time as driving, you don't have to drive. 3) You have your own car at your destination and don't have to rent one. 4) The coach toilets are very large...the whole family could go and use it as a changing room. 5) With almost floor-to-ceiling windows the entire length of the car, the views are quite amazing, even at night. Cons: 1) there are constantly people walking through the coach cars and the doors at either end are VERY noisy, so a restful sleep is difficult. 2) Some of the bumps on the rail are downright scary, making sleeping and walking difficult. 3) There are several stops overnight (I think it is a crew change? Letting freight pass by?) and it somehow wakes up everyone. 4) Moving between cars can be dangerous if you don't walk well. The unfortunate part (which is purely random) was that our car was literally the last one off the train. It was about an extra 2 hours waiting, but thankfully we didn't have much planned our first day.
Thank you for the informative video! In 1999, my wife and I rode the cheap seats north, from Sanford to Lorton. That was fine, although it could get noisy when I wanted to nap the afternoon away. A sleeper it seems is the way to go: more room, a shower, and being able to change into pajamas would have been much better. We transported our two cars, her new Civic and my older Isuzu truck. At the time Amtrak allowed for my truck's bed to be completely filled with non-hazardous cargo - so long as nothing stretched beyond the cab height or sides of the bed. As we were moving to Virginia, we loaded up watertight plastic bins with personal gear and books, strapped a tarp over it, and arrived ready to set up house.
The fact the experience seemed dated is not a bad thing - it looks like a way better alternative than the thirteen-hour drive on I 95 and a bit of nostalgia is OK!!
We have taken the auto train to and from both locations, sever times If you want to do the drive than do it 1st cause after 2 weeks in orlando at the parks like we need you dont want to drive back. Going down during the holidays (christmas) It seems the houses by the tracks decorate more so the riders can have a view.. The shower is tight but you go to bed fresh and walk up fresh after another shower in the morning.
I think if you’re doing this as a family, it absolutely makes sense to take the strain. As a solo traveler, this might not be the most cost-effective option. Thanks for watching!
Yeah, there’s quite a few cars being hauled inside that train! I’m actually going to visit them next week since I’m heading over to Southeast Asia to travel extensively in April. Make sure you subscribe and follow me along as I will be documenting my adventures here on RU-vid! Thanks for watching.
We rode the Auto Train 3 times. First time, because I always wanted to. Second time, because I liked it the first time. Both times in a roomette. It was quite comfortable and dinner was served in the dining car on linen tablecloths. The third time we upgraded to a compartment. The train was actually 7 hours late in leaving, which meant we got into Lorton in the afternoon and by the time we got the car there was only about 1/2 of daylight left, meaning we had to drive the 11 hours home, (Oshawa Ontario,) in the dark. To be fair I was contacted my Amtrak the day before to warn me of the delay and an offer to refund my fare 100% if I wanted. My overall impression, it costs a lot and it really saves you no time. I could drive home with one night in a hotel for less money than this cost, but it's worth it for the experience just to say you did it.
You’re absolutely correct Andrew. It’s very expensive for what you get. I like to drive, and I would rather just spend the night at a hotel. However the best alternative is obviously flying.
I've been curious about the Autotrain. Glad to see this. You have my Like. Serg: "My dad's got one, and I got one. So we each have our own rooms. He's gonna have dinner in his room and I'm going to go to the dining car." Also Serg: "...it's wonderful to spend time with the people you love..."
We spend almost 600 miles together in the car the day before and 250 miles the day after the train ride. I sat with him in his room while he had dinner. The only reason we didn’t have dinner together, it’s because I wanted to show all of you the dining car and the dinner service. We also spent quite a bit of time together on the train in his room. Thanks for watching!
Before the Auto-Train was run by Amtrak, it was its own company. Back in the 70's, my family used it a couple of times for our summer vacations (we live in Florida, so we'd be going north). We didn't have the money for rooms, so we would "sleep" in coach. Alas, I cannot sleep unless I'm horizontal, so unless I was able to get two seats next to each other, I was not falling asleep. Even then it was tough; I may have been a kid, but I was still pretty tall for two side-by-side seats. For a short while, they had another route between Louisville, KY and Sandford, FL. We once took this back to Florida on 4th of July (REALLY empty train). It wasn't exactly an exciting trip for a kid, but at least we could get up and walk around (not possible in a car).
That was a purple and red theme train that had all the dome cars back then. They leaked like sieve. Have photos. Amtrak only kept a hand full, including the wonderful 5210 car which was a short dome/ coach car. I think they sold the remainder to princess cruise lines of alaska, and private museums.
@@ajayjonesie8809 I _thought_ I remembered them having a dome car. I haven't seen any indication of them on any of the recent Auto-Train videos. Thanks for that. 😊
A minor point on terminology: A "bedroom suite" refers to two of the bedrooms adjacent to each other having their partition opened so that you have one, large, four-person room. Using just one of the rooms would be a "bedroom". The small rooms with no toilet or shower are called Roomettes :)
There’s always going to be somebody who is so miserable that they would rather bring other people down, then bring them selves up. Thanks for watching!
I’ve taken the Auto-Train twice. I, too, travel from So New England and go to South FL. Taking the Auto-Train allows me to avoid the full second day of driving (VA to north FL) is the hardest part of the drive. Doing a roomette for just myself, I like the splurge. I also arrive a full day earlier. Riding in Coach when it’s full, you have no idea who you are sharing a seat with and ‘sleeping’ with.
Nice vid. Agree on the cost vs value thing - this thing's sure as hell expensive. However, if you've got the money, it's worth experiencing one-time for the novelty factor alone.
